zealotry
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of zealotry
Explanation
Zealotry is when someone takes a religious, cultural, or political belief too far, refusing to tolerate other perspectives or conflicting beliefs. People say that zealotry springs not out of faith but doubt. Makes sense. Zealotry is believing so strongly in something that you are completely intolerant of different beliefs or opinions. A government's zealotry might lead it to outlaw free speech and arrest journalists. Zealotry comes from the noun zealot, or "fanatic," which is rooted in the Greek zelotes, "a zealous follower," ultimately from the Greek zelos, "zeal, ardor, or jealousy."
Vocabulary lists containing zealotry
The Amber Spyglass
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Death in the Jungle
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Made You Up
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Zealotry only makes dealing with the guerrillas more hazardous.
From Time Magazine Archive
Zealotry, in fact, produces a kind of hyperrationality of technique.
From Time Magazine Archive
Zealotry of either kind -- the puritan's need to regiment others or the victim's passion for blaming everyone except himself -- tends to produce a depressing civic stupidity.
From Time Magazine Archive
Zealotry seems to be on the increase at HEW.
From Time Magazine Archive
Zealotry is set by the ear; the hornet’s nest is stirred.
From The Book of Khalid by Rihani, Ameen Fares
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
